No.04_Hajime Sakamoto
Arc'teryx's deep archives.
PROFILE
In 2020, he established "instantbootlegstore", a web store dealing in vintage and secondhand clothing and select brands, under the theme of "a wonderful way to spend your pocket money". He runs the webshop under the theme of "How to spend your pocket money".
Instagram: @hajime0722
-When was the shell you are wearing today modeled?
Sakamoto: It's a Kappa SP model from the 90s, a shell for ice climbing. It has a coloring called "Stone", but I couldn't find many of them in second-hand clothing.
-The color and material are switched, and it's very elaborate. Are there any differences in detail from the current version?
Sakamoto: A key point to distinguish when identifying the age is whether or not the front placket is a ratio wing. This is a detail that was used until around 2002. Also, the hook and loop fastener is round, which is also unique to old models.
Is this second-hand clothing purchased from overseas?
Sakamoto: Yes, I got it from a Russian guy I met at a flea market in the U.S. He was one of the buyers I contacted about five years ago when I was starting my own business. It was so cool that I ended up keeping it for myself.
-What is the position of Arc'teryx in the used clothing market?
Sakamoto: Compared to other outdoor brands, there are fewer balls. Even if the design at a glance is the same, the model name changes with different lengths and zips, so the image is for experts.
-That makes it worth digging for.
Sakamoto: When I looked into it, I found that there are many colorings that are only released for a single season. There is no need to be obsessive about it, but in my case, rarity is an important factor in my work. One of the charms of vintage clothing is that you can't find it in the same colors as other people.
-What do you find attractive about Arc'teryx?
Sakamoto: I like the brand's attitude of always keeping evolution in mind, as the logo of the first bird represents. I like the fact that the brand always keeps evolution in mind, as shown by the ancestor bird logo. I like the fact that they are researching technology on their own and continuing to do so.
-that they continue to update the cutting edge.
Sakamoto: Wearing Arcteryx is like riding in an F-1 car. I don't understand everything about the high-performance engine, but I understand how cool the machine is.
-The functional beauty of the product may be linked to a fashion perspective, increasing its appeal as a product.
Sakamoto: Coloring that was only released in this year, details that were used until what year, someone was wearing it at that time, and so on. I think that knowing the story behind such vintage clothing makes it even more appealing.
-By the way, how did you get into Arc'teryx?
Sakamoto: In my case, I started with skater Harold Hunter. I saw him in a magazine wearing "Alpha SV" blue, and it was cool.
-I like that you like Arc'teryx from such a point of view.
Sakamoto: I think [Arc'teryx] has an easy entry point for everyone. It's not military or tech, but it has a cultural context. Of course, the current line is cool, too. The more you know about the brand, the more interesting it is.
